A spiritual direction session

[Andruschak]

Yesterday I saw my Spiritual Director again, and we talked about various things, including my prayer life. One thing Brother Jackson wanted me to remember was not to be obsessive about the amount or type of prayer.

Well, yes, I can be compulsive-obsessive to the point of trying to bite off more then even a hippo could chew. How did he know? He also wanted me to use the two hour winding down time from Midnight to 2 AM to relax and play as well as pray. Again, not to be obsessive about reaching 90 minutes or more of prayer and prayerful reading. The cats need adoration, after all.

He also encouraged me to do more spiritual reading outside of the confines of “daily readers”.

There was more, of course, but his main thrust was not to be so RIGID on prayer requirements. That I should try to find prayers and readings that I am comfortable with and enjoy.

I see him again on 14 February. With Lent underway, I need to talk to him about the use of cilice and discipline. He’s already nixed the idea of wearing ashes the entire 40 days of Lent. Even if St. Francis may have done so. But our penance is to be done quietly, privately.

I also forgot to talk to him about my current diet and fasting procedures. Again, next month should be a good time, with Lent well under way.

 

[Joysong]

How did he know?

Hello Andruschak,

The indwelling Trinity! It is no doubt one of the charisms of his vocation, and also as spiritual director where the gift of ‘counsel’ is particulary necessary.

1 Cor. 2:15 But the spiritual man judges all things; and he himself is judged of no man.

 

[puzzleannie]

you amaze me, you have throughout the time we have known you hear, in your heroic battle fought with the help of AA, in docilely and humbly following the RCIA process, in your affiliation with your penitential institute, shown such humility, a real example. thank you Harry, hope those cats are keeping your feet warm these cold nights.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Sounds like your going well there. Don’t do what i did. I became such a slave to my spiritual exercises that my SD told me to be a slave to God and not my norms or spiritual exercises. And i was often guilty of spritual gluttony. Put your complete trust in your SD and follow his advice to the letter. Don’t take years to learn like me.

 

[Andruschak]

you amaze me, you have throughout the time we have known you hear, in your heroic battle fought with the help of AA, in docilely and humbly following the RCIA process, in your affiliation with your penitential institute, shown such humility, a real example. thank you Harry, hope those cats are keeping your feet warm these cold nights.

Not really. My electric blanket keeps my feet warm at night, and the cats like to lie on top of the blanket (and me) and enjoy the heat that seeps upwards.

 

[puzzleannie]

lucky cats
the point about spiritual gluttony is very well taken
some of use move from one SD or priest to another seeking that special message or counsel that makes us feel good.
others move from one spiritual movement to another, seeking another “high”
this year I am a Franciscan Secular, next year all involved in ACTS retreat, next year I drop both of those to join cursillo, etc., no long term commitment to any spirituality. and we mistake boredom and lack of commitment for true spiritual dryness, a condition that usually affects only the spiritually mature, not the grazer.